Asiana Treks

Chulu East Climbing

Best Price
Duration
19 days
Max. Elevation
6584 m / 21601 ft
Group size
1 - 10
Level
DIFFICULT
Transportation
Touristbus/Private vehicle
Best Season
September to November and February to June 15
Accomodation
Hotel /Teahouse/Camping
Meals
B/L/D included
Starts at/ Ends at
kathmandu / kathmandu

Highlights

    • One of Nepal's top trekking peaks is Chulu East Peak.
    • Chulu East Peak is the easiest trekking peak in the Annapurna region.
    • Discover the lovely Gurung Villages in the Annapurna Area
    • Climbers of the Chulu East Peak Summit take in the magnificent view of the Manaslu, Dhaulagiri, and Annapurna Himalayan ranges.

Overview

Overview

Chulu East (6,584 m.) is situated high above the Manang valley with breathtaking views across to the Annapurna II, III and IV, Gangapurna, Glacier Dome, Dhaulagiri, Tilicho Peak and Manaslu. The climb is combined with the classic trek around the Annapurna massif, ascending the Marshyangdi valley and crossing the Thorong La, before descending the Kali Gandaki valley to Pokhara. The climb is technically straightforward and you should be familiar with the use of your equipment, crampons, harness, ice axe, tying knots and handling climbing ropes. Most of the climbing will be involved walking roped together, including the glacial crossings. You should be very fit and have good experience of climbing. The North-East Ridge is considered the normal route to climb this peak from a Base Camp on the moraine at 5334m (17500ft). Most climbers make it to the top and back from Base Camp in one long day although some have, in the past, established a higher camp somewhere below the peak. Another subsidiary peak called Chulu Far East (6059m) 19880ft) may also be attempted from this approach.

Trip Itinerary

Arrival in Kathmandu. You’ll meet guide at airport and taken to your hotel. If time allows you will have time to visit some Buddhist and Hindu temples and shrines reflecting local traditions. Overnight in Hotel.


Half day Sightseeing tour in Kathmandu Valley and in the afternoon our guide will brief you and help you sort out all the requires equipments for the trip. You can have question and answer session with our staff if you have any confusion or need any information about the trip. O/N Hotel.


After breakfast in Kathmandu, we'll start our journey towards Besishahar early in the morning. Following the road to Pokhara until Dumre, we'll leave the Kathmandu valley behind. The road winds westward, offering expansive views of the valley dotted with numerous villages. Along the route, we'll catch breathtaking glimpses of the mountains, especially the Ganesh Himal and Manaslu. Our path closely follows the Trishuli river valley, passing through villages like Galchhi, Baireni, Malekhu, Benighat (where the Buddhigandaki river joins), Chauridi (a Trisuli river rafting spot), Kurintar, and finally reaching Mugling, after Mugling we are continuous toward following road Pokhara via Khairenitar. We'll turn off the main highway from Dumre and continue our journey north of Besisahar, where we'll begin our trek (if conditions permit, we may drive further than Besisahar). From Besisahar, we'll trek downhill to the river and cross to the east side to avoid the new road currently under construction. Our trail then follows the Marsyangdi Valley northwards, offering stunning views of Himalchuli and Peak 29 dominating the horizon. For about two hours, we'll traverse quiet trails through rice paddies and villages until we intersect with the main trail at Bulbule. We'll spend the night in a Teahouse/lodge.

The trail continues up the east bank of the river passing a beautiful waterfall to Ngaddi. Here we cross a suspension bridge and then begin a steady climb through scrub forest finally arriving at Lampatta, a Manangi village with Tibetan style prayer flags. A final short sharp ascent brings us to the village of Bahundanda, perched on a ridge at 1311m. From the ridge we descend to the river at Syange (1136m) where we once more cross the river. The trail then follows the river to Jagat and then an undulating trail leads to Chyamje where we spend our night. Overnight in Teahouse/lodge.

From Chamche, we cross a suspension bridge and climb through oak forest. The trail then emerges into a level valley where 'Tal', the next village is situated at the foot of a grand waterfall (1700m). Crossing the river a couple of times we reach the village of Dharapani at 1943m.Beyond this village we continue our climb over a spur to Bagarchap, at 2164m. The name of this village means 'butcher's place' and, although Buddhist, the people of this region do hunt animals. Continuing we follow the trail through forest to Danaque. Overnight in Teahouse/lodge.

Today our journey begins climbing to Temang, where we have lunch with magnificent views of Manaslu and Peak 29. The trail then descends though fir and pine forests to Koto and Chame (2713m), administrative centre of the Manang district. We now experience a dramatic change of scenery. Leaving the forests and vegetation we continue our journey until Dhukur Pokhari. Overnight in Teahouse/lodge.

The trail then follows the steep narrow valley through deep forest from which there are fine views of Annapurna II. We cross the river where the impressive curved rock face of Paungda Danda rises nearly 1500m from the riverbank, and climb to the village of Pisang and walk until Humde. There is a small airport which have scheduled flight to Jomsom and Pokhara. Overnight in Teahouse/lodge.


A fairly hard day as we gain altitude and climb steeply up the valley to our base camp at approximately 4,700m. The trail climbs endlessly uphill to the crags high above where we establish our base camp.

A short day to high camp (5,300m), where there will be a full gear check and some practice for the climb. We will practice ice axe and crampon techniques, walking roped up and the use of the jumar and abseil device. From high camp expect views of the Annapurnas with an incredible sunset and sunrise. Camping.

Summit day will start very early (usually around 2/3am in the dark). From high camp we have a steep climb up to a col at 5,500m. We can see the wonderful summit ridge ahead. From the col we will walk roped up and as the trail gets steeper our climbing sherpas will fix ropes on the steeper sections. The hard work is rewarded by incredible views from the top - in front of us is Gangapurna, the Annapurnas and Herzog's 'Great Barrier', to our left is Manaslu and behind us lies Tibet. We descend carefully past the high camp all the way to base camp. Camping(BLD).


We say goodbye to some of our porters and cook as we trek back to the main trail again. An easier half day today as we descend to the Manang Valley and follow the main trail to Manang. We can visit the small village of Braga on the way with its ancient monastery towering high above the village. Braga is also home to a small tree nursery which is a project we have been supporting for the last 10 years. A short walk from Braga brings us to Manang where we stay in a tea house. Overnight in Teahouse/lodge (BLD).

Leaving Manang we head to the base of the Thorong La. We climb out of the Marsyangdi valley and turn northwest up the valley of the Jarsang Khola. We are above the forests now and pass through dry, alpine country, with scrub juniper and occasional clumps of birch. We stay tonight at Yak Kharka. Overnight in Teahouse/lodge (BLD).


The trail climbs further up the valley and at one point descends to cross the Jarsang Khola.Look out for herds of Blue Sheep. A traverse across a scree slope brings us to the lone teahouses at Thorong Phedi which is surrounded by high cliffs at the foot of the Thorong La (4,400m.). We should be there by lunchtime and those feeling energetic can take a walk up to the Thorong High Camp, about an hour from Thorong Phedi. Overnight in Teahouse/lodge (BLD).

A long day as we leave Phedi very early for the climb to the pass. The first part of the ascent is very steep, but it becomes easier as we approach the top, although the altitude still makes the going tough. Eventually, after numerous false summits, we reach the pass itself at 5416m. Ahead there is a magnificent panorama of snow-capped peaks extending northwards into Tibet, and looking back we can see several of the main peaks of Annapurna. Directly in front of us is the great chasm of the Kali Gandaki, 2,500m. below. The long descent starts gently but becomes steeper before easing off to a gentle descent to Muktinath (3802m). Overnight in Teahouse/lodge (BLD).


From Muktinath we pass through a landscape of bare, eroded hills with a backdrop of snow-capped high peaks. After visiting the temples above Muktinath, we follow the main trail down the valley through a magnificent landscape of wind-eroded cliffs in an array of beautiful colours. A final descent brings us to the Kali Gandaki Valley at Eklabatti, from where an easy trail brings us to the end of our trek at Jomsom. Overnight in Teahouse/lodge (BLD).


The flights from Jomsom to Pokhara are usually in the early morning due to the high winds which blow up the Kali Gandaki Valley later in the day. The short but very spectacular flight takes us all the way down the Kali Gandaki Valley with great views of Niligiri and Dhaulagiri. We fly to Pokhara, where we transfer on to another flight back to Kathmandu. Hotel (B).

6-7 hour of scenic drive along Trisuli river and beautiful landscape from Pokhara will take you back to Kathamndu. Hotel (BD).


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Includes

    • Entrance fee of Annapurna Conservation area entry permit and TIMS Card. 
    • Peak Permit and Climbing Guide. 
    •  Guide, Cook, sherpa, Kitchen staff, and porters while in the climbing period. 
    •  An experienced and first aid-trained license holder accompanying a trekking guide. 
    •  Equipped and insured trekking porter (one porter for 2 persons, one porter carries 25 KG.) 
    •  Meals, insurance, salary, equipment, accommodation, and transportation of our all-trip crew. 
    •  All camping Equipment, two men’s tents, Dining tent, Kitchen Tent, Toilet Tent, Table & chairs. 
    •  Tea House accommodation on a twin or multi-sharing basis during the trek. 
    •  Breakfast, lunch, and dinner during the trekking and climbing period. 
    •  Applicable government taxes (13% VAT and 10% tourism service charges) 
    •  Farewell dinner in Kathmandu. 

Doesn't Include

    • Nepal entry visa and Domestic airport tax. 
    •  Your Travel/Medical insurance and Personal trekking equipment. 
    •  Lunch & dinner in Kathmandu and laundry. 
    •  Hot shower and electric charging in the mountain (If needed). 
    •  Single supplements in hotels except for solo trekking service. 
    •  Optional trips which are not specified in the itinerary. 
    •  Drinks (including tea) and Bar Bill (beverage). 
    •  Helicopter evacuation/rescue in case of emergency. 
    •  Donation to the local organization. 
    •  Personal equipment for Trekking and peak climbing. 
    •  Gratitude to the trekking staff. 

Upcoming Departure Dates

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Equipment List

Essential Documents and Items

Ensure you have the following essential documents and items ready for your trip:

  • Passport with at least six months validity, along with two passport-size photos
  • Airline tickets
  • Photocopies of your passport and visa form (available readily at Kathmandu airport)
  • Proof of insurance
  • Cash in Dollars, Pounds, or Euros for purchasing the Nepalese visa at Kathmandu airport, paying for meals and accommodations, giving gratuities, buying snacks, drinks, and souvenirs
  • Credit cards, bank/ATM/cash machine cards (bring photocopies), traveler's cheques, etc.
  • Nepalese currency for purchasing snacks and other items along the trail
  • Must Read: Climbing Gear List for Lobuche Peak

Personal Climbing Gear:

  • Ice axe
  • Crampons
  • Harness
  • Screwgate karabiners (2 locking, two unlocking)
  • Descender/eight-figure
  • Plastic mountaineering boots
  • Ascender/Jhumar
  • Helmet

Group Climbing Gear:

  • Snow bar
  • Rope
  • Ice hammer
  • Ice screw

Personal Trekking and Climbing Gear Checklist:

Rucksack and Travel Bags:

  • Small daypack/backpack (30-40L) with good shoulder padding for carrying valuables
  • Large duffel bag (80-100L)
  • Small padlocks for duffel-kit bags
  • Waterproof covers

Head:

  • Bandana or headscarf
  • Balaclava
  • Beanie
  • Wide-brimmed sun hat
  • warmer neck gaiter
  • Extra batteries and light bulb for the headlamp 
  • Carry an extra pair of sunglasses and snow goggles that offer UV protection. 
  • Prescription sunglasses, if needed

Upper Body:

  • Long-sleeve shirt (moisture-absorbing and breathable)
  • T-shirt (moisture-absorbing and breathable)
  • Thermal base layer of merino wool
  • Fleece wind-stopper jacket or pullover
  • Waterproof shell jacket (preferably breathable fabric)
  • Down Vest
  • Down jacket with hood and insulation designed for expedition use; not necessary for all trekking peaks 
  • Gore-Tex jacket with hood, waterproof and breathable

Hands:

  • Lightweight wool or fleece gloves, or gloves made of lightweight poly-liner.
  • Warm, insulated gloves with safety straps called Summit Mittens.

Lower Body:

  • Briefs for non-cotton trousers.

walking shorts.

  • Lightweight woollen warm trousers.
  • Trekking trousers made of breathable, waterproof material.
  • Hardshell trousers
  • Pants made with synthetic insulation.

Feet:

  • Climbing boots with double insulation
  • High-quality hiking boots with supportive ankles, water resistance, robust soles, and a "broken-in" feel.
  • Gaiters and Crampons.
  • Cotton socks, thick poly or woollen socks, and light inner socks. 
  • Athletic shoes and flip-flops or sandals of rubber.

Sleeping:

  • A sleeping bag should at least be able to withstand -40°C.
  • Therm-a-Rest sleeping pad (NeoAir XTherm) for insulation and warmth
  • Foam pad
  • Fleece sleeping bag liner
  • Pillowcase

Medicine:

  • Small, personal first-aid kit (simple and light)
  • Aspirin, first-aid tape, and plasters (Band-Aids)
  • Skin-blister repair kit
  • Anti-diarrhea pills
  • Paracetamol
  • Cough and cold medicine
  • Anti-altitude sickness pills like Diamox or Acetazolamide
  • Stomach antibiotics like Ciprofloxacin
  • Throat lozenges
  • Water purification tablets or water filter
  • Earplugs and Lip Guard
  • Sunscreen and drops
  • An extra pair of prescription glasses and materials for contact lenses 

Practical Items:

  • Small roll of repair tape, sewing-repair kit
  • Cigarette lighter or small box of matches
  • Compass or GPS (optional)
  • Alarm clock/watch
  • Camera with extra SD cards and batteries
  • Large Ziploc bags
  • Two water bottles (1 liter each)
  • Lightweight steel thermal bottle
  • Small folding or Swiss knife
  • Binoculars (optional)
  • Four large, waterproof, disposable rubbish sacks
  • Socket adapter Type C (with circular pins)
  • Trekking poles (foldable)

Toiletries:

  • Medium-sized quick-drying towel
  • Toothbrush/paste (preferably biodegradable)
  • Multipurpose soap (preferably biodegradable)
  • Small sachets of shampoo
  • Deodorants
  • Nail clippers
  • Face and body moisturizer
  • Female hygiene products
  • Small mirror

Personal Hygiene:

  • Wet wipes (baby wipes)
  • Tissue/toilet roll
  • Anti-bacterial hand-wash
  • Hand sanitiser
  • Pee Bottle (1 leter, leak-proof, wide mouth)
  • Pee funnel (for females)

Extras/Opulence:

  • Reading book
  • Trail map/guidebook
  • Journal and pen
  • iPod
  • Playing cards
  • Modest swimsuit
  • Binoculars (optional)

Please note that items such as sleeping bags and liners, down jackets, trekking poles, gaiters, crampons, backpacks, etc., can be rented or bought in Kathmandu. Additionally, mountaineering boots larger than size 12 can be hard to find in Nepal, so if you have large feet (+12 size), consider bringing your climbing boots from home.

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